Unlike the class of 2020, which had virtual graduation ceremonies due to the pandemic, Albuquerque Public Schools announced Monday, April 5, that this year’s seniors will be able to accept their diplomas in person.
Each school will hold its own outdoor graduation ceremony the week of May 10, according to the APS website. Students from the district’s traditional high schools and eCademy will walk the stage at the Nusenda Community Stadium, and magnet school students are scheduled to graduate in Downtown Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza.
In order to comply with current public health restrictions on mass gatherings, graduates will only be able to bring two guests. APS spokesperson Monica Armenta says some families aren’t happy about that rule. “We already have people everywhere calling, asking ‘can you please open it up to more people?’” she said. “We are still in a pandemic, regardless of whether schools are open or not.”
APS is in Bernalillo County, which is in the state’s yellow level for COVID risk and restrictions. If the county reaches the green level in time, the district says students may be able to bring up to four guests and magnet school ceremonies could move to the Kiva Auditorium.
